19 REPS

41.5 INCH

139.0 INCH

7.10 SEC

4.32 SEC

11.55 SEC

Draft Analysis:

"One of the most explosive edge rushers in this draft. He'll line up, stick his hands in the dirt and get his hands in the quarterback." -- Mike Mayock

6'3" Height

33 3/4" Arm Length

250LBS. Weight

9 3/4" Hands

Overview

Originally, the athletic Collins decided to sign with Auburn, but changed his mind to stay in his home state after unknown quantity Gene Chizik took over as the Tigers head coach in December 2008. Even though he missed out on the 2010 BCS championship season because of that decision, his career with the Golden Eagles predicts a NFL future in the path of former lean Southern Miss linebackers Michael Boley and Gerald McRath.

Collins was a high school quarterback who led his team to back-to-back state championship games in his sophomore (when his Franklin County (Miss.) squad got the win) and junior seasons. After arriving in Hattiesburg, coaches conversion of Collins paid immediate dividends; playing as a reserve in all 13 games, he accumulated 48 tackles (three for loss, two sacks). During his sophomore year, he moved from safety to linebacker due to a mid-season injury. He started seven games, playing in every contest, garnering honorable mention All-Conference USA honors with 76 tackles (three for loss, 2.5 sacks), intercepting two passes and breaking up two others. He was again put on the honorable mention squad for his work starting all 14 games in 2011, in which he totaled 98 tackles (19.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks, and eight pass break-ups. As a senior, Collins tallied 92 tackles (20 for loss), 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and five passes broken up. This excellent senior year earned him first-team All-Conference USA honors.

Analysis

Strengths

Presents a long, lean frame that NFL teams look for in a stand-up pass rusher. Quick feet and long strides help him close on quarterbacks, move down the line to crash on runs, as well as give him the short-area agility to move in coverage with slot receivers for short periods despite his height and length. Short area quickness, and the ability to redirect in an instant. Power hands at times. Capable of shedding in either direction to contain or fill a gap. Knows to knock receivers at the line and crossers off their routes with his strong arm extension. Has the length to wrap up ballcarriers trying to avoid him in the backfield, as well as grab backs running away from him.

Weaknesses

Lacks sand in his pants and upper-body strength to be an every-down defensive end against NFL tackles, and gets consistently pushed back by double teams. Inconsistent coming off the snap quickly, at times looking like he can beat tackles with a strong first step but being among the last moving on other plays. Motor runs cold, don't pursue plays well. Loses track off his position in zone coverage. Can be eluded in space by quicker ballcarriers or in the backfield by mobile quarterbacks. Must speed up his hands to win battles against pro linemen, slow to disengage.

NFL Comparison

Clark Haggans

Bottom Line

A tall lean end/linebacker hybrid for Southern Miss, Collins racked up 20 tackles for loss (and 10 sacks) for the Golden Eagles during his first-team All-Conference USA senior season. Though hes not an elite pass rush talent and is still growing into his frame, he presents scouts with surprising agility for his size and the length to be an effective 3-4 backer capable of doing a bit of everything, with untapped potential as a mid-round pick.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.